2024 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Palo Alto, CA vs Surprise, AZ

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Surprise or is it cheaper to live in Palo Alto?
- Surprise is 51.1% less expensive than Palo Alto.

Which city has more affordable housing, Surprise or Palo Alto?
- Surprise housing costs are 89.2% less expensive than Palo Alto housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Palo Alto or is Health Care more affordable in Surprise.
- Health related expenses are 14.1% less in Surprise.
 Palo Alto, CASurprise, AZUnited States
 Overall231.0113.0100
 Food & Groceries124.497.4100
 Health107.792.5100
 Housing1,139.8123.2100
 Median Home Cost$3,107,600$413,400$338,100
 Utilities8,990.0%10,560.0%10,000.0%
 Transportation140.6104.5100
 Miscellaneous156.2105.7100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Palo Alto    8 Reviews

The Bay Area in general, but Palo Alto specifically provides many of the qualities sought by many; the climate is beautiful, there is access to cultural and recreational  More

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Over 16 years ago

Very  More

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Over 17 years ago

VTA and SamsTrans and Caltrain all provide good service and most times frequency of service is  More

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Reviews for Surprise    52 Reviews

I have lived in Surprise, Az. For the past 21 years. One of the best cities to live in Az. From the police department to maintaining the streets & freeways. One thing I  More

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I am an Arizona native - 55 years - and have lived in Surprise since 2003. I wouldn't live anywhere else! I have watched this place grow and prosper. It is very family  More

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Over 10 years ago

The city of surprise is a beautiful place. It would not be a good place to live however. They have a young eager police force. You are taking a BIG risk driving  More

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